Evaluation of Liver Protective Activity of Moringa oleifera Bark Extract in Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Background: Moringa oleifera has been used in folk medicine to alleviate several diseases. In the present study, ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera bark has been investigated to study its potential on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity on model rats. Methods: Rats (150-200 gm) were divided into 5 groups containing 6 animals each. Acute hepatotoxicity was induced by paracetamol (600 mg/kg body weight) administered once daily for one week whereas the extract of investigated plant was given orally throughout the whole experiment at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. Silymarin (100 mg/kg body weight) was given orally as standard hepatoprotective drug. The level of hepatic injury recovery was determined by the estimation of liver enzymes like SGPT, SGOT, ALP, Bilirubin, Total protein, globulin and Albumin. Results: Treatment with MO extract as well as standard hepatoprotective agent silymarin ameliorated plasma levels of hepatic enzymes. Body weight was improved significantly by MO extracts (p < 0.01), whereas liver weight was recovered insignificantly. SGPT, SGOT and ALP levels were improved very highly significantly (p<0.001) and highly significantly (p<0.01) at MO 250mg dose. While at the dose of 500 mg/kg ameliorated SGPT Level very highly significantly (p<0.001), SGOT Level highly significantly (p<0.01) but insignificant to ALP level. Conclusion: The biochemical parameters provide evidence that the ethanolic extract of of Moringa oleifera bark has shown hepatoprotective activity.